What Causes Jowls?
“Jowls” are characterized by an accumulation of excess sagging skin around the neck, jaw, and chin. Jowls are one of the most noticeable signs of facial aging and tend to make men and women feel much older than their actual age. While developing jowls is inevitable, the age at which jowls form varies from person to person. There are many different factors that can contribute to jowls, including:
- Reduced collagen and elastin fibers: Aging is one of the primary reasons for the development of jowls. As we get older, collagen and elastin production wanes and the skin becomes less elastic. Combined with the skin’s tendency to become thinner and less hydrated over time, reduced collagen production is often a major factor in the appearance of jowls.
- Gravity: Over time, the skin and tissues of the face weaken and become more susceptible to gravity. This can exacerbate skin laxity and cause fat in the mid-face to sag downward, thereby contributing to jowl formation.
- Genetics: A family history of jowls is also a common risk factor for jowling. Although jowls tend to develop eventually, genetic predisposition can cause them to form earlier when compared to other people.
- Smoking, unprotected sun exposure, and other lifestyle factors: Stress, a poor diet, sun damage, smoking, a lack of exercise, and rapid weight loss can also decrease skin elasticity and accelerate aging of the skin and tissue along the jawline. We advise a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, sun protection, and a nutritious diet as preventative measures to slow down facial aging.
If you’re bothered by sagging skin of the cheeks and jawline, Dr. Scott Miller is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla who offers a variety of modern facelift procedures to improve jowls and achieve a sleeker, more youthful contour in the neck and lower face. In addition to his certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Dr. Miller is also fellowship-trained in cosmetic facial procedures through his experience as part of a prestigious aesthetic surgery program in Beverly Hills with Dr. Bruce Connell.
Dr. Miller and our skilled team understand how frustrating it can be to notice telltale signs of facial aging. We offer a myriad of facial rejuvenation services designed to enhance self-confidence and help you look as great as you feel — simply contact La Jolla plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Miller to learn more about the treatments available to help you achieve your goals.